After almost two nomadic decades, Saracens officially opened their new ground on the artificial turf of Allianz Park, St Albans, and celebrated with a fine, bonus-point victory.

It is their fourth different home venue of the season — after Twickenham, Wembley and Vicarage Road, which they shared with Watford Football Club — and the first game in Premiership history to be played on such a pitch.

The new surroundings were a true reason to celebrate for the Saracens faithful, many decked out in their traditional fez. The huge influx of South African players in recent years, coupled with their extended period as tenants at Watford’s Vicarage Road, had strained the club’s links with the past.

Over the line: Mako Vunipola of Saracens scores a try against the Exeter Chiefs

In Exeter, Saracens faced opponents
full of heart but devoid of form. Swarming into the breakdowns, the
visitors should have been made to pay for their indiscipline, only for
Charlie Hodgson to miss his first three attempts at goal. The third,
from in front of the posts, came after Exeter full-back Luke Arscott
found himself sinbinned for killing the ball after a scintillating break
from Ben Ransom.

Against the run of play, Gareth
Steenson then stroked a 24th-minute penalty to give the visitors the
lead, before Hodgson finally took advantage of Neil de Kock’s neat pass
to claim the opening try, which he converted.

A further penalty, three minutes after
the break, opened a seven-point lead and when Exeter surrendered
possession at a lineout, Saracens pressure ended with Matt Stevens
crashing over. Hodgson converted to stretch the lead to 14 points.
Steenson reclaimed three, after Saracens infringed under their own
posts, but the hosts were now dominant.

Crunch: David Strettle of Saracens is tackled by Jack Nowell

Prop Mako Vunipola forced his way over
the line and from there it became solely about Saracens claiming a
fourth try for their bonus point. This arrived 10 minutes from time as
Vunipola scored again.

Exeter’s bloody-mindedness was summed
up by Richie Baxter’s consolation score but it was never enough to spoil
the Saracens party.

Exeter coach — Baxter’s brother Rob —
said: ‘We got taught a few lessons. They taught us how hard you have to
work to get something out.’

Vunipola said: ‘The thanks belong to the volunteers who gave up their time to make today happen.’